By. Janelle Faulve
Morong, Rizal – September 13, 2024 – The University of Rizal System (URS) Taytay College of Nursing (CON) held its 11th Capping, Pinning, and Candle-lighting Ceremonies at the Eulogio Amang Rodriguez Tanghalang Sining (EARTS) at URS – Morong. This symbolic rite of passage was participated by 206 second-year nursing students.
The ceremony, which carried the theme “Caring Beyond Boundaries: The URS Commitment to Compassionate Nursing,” was graced by URS key officials and dignitaries. Dr. Lourdes Tejada, Campus Director, URS Taytay; Dr. Nancy Pascual, University President; Dr. Allan Conde, Vice President for Academic Affairs; and Hon. Reynaldo San Juan, Jr., Vice Governor of Rizal, delivered their congratulatory and inspirational messages which emphasized the significance of the nursing profession and its impact on public health highlighting the crucial role of future nurses in today’s society.
Dr. Gemma Lavara, CON Faculty, introduced the keynote speaker. Hon. Merle Salvani, PhD, RN, inspired the nursing students with her words of wisdom, encouraging them to uphold the values of compassion, dedication, and excellence in their future careers.
The awarding of certificate and token of appreciation followed, as well as the presentation and confirmation of candidates for capping and pinning by Prof. Ma Teresita Cerapion, Dean of CON, and Dr. Conde.
Another highlight was the entrance of the “Mother of Nursing,” Florence Nightingale, portrayed by Amelie del Rosario Cervo, a 2024 URS Taytay graduate and now a registered nurse. This was followed by the imposing of caps and pins, candle-lighting led by the CON faculty, and the recitation of the Florence Nightingale Oath, led by Prof. Etheldreda Santos, as the students committed themselves to the ideals of the nursing profession.
The event concluded with Prof. Ma. Teresita Cerapion’s closing remarks and the students donning their caps and pins, symbolizing their readiness to embrace the responsibilities and challenges of their chosen profession.
The candle-lighting ceremony, a symbol of dedication to compassionate care, marked the beginning of their journey as future healthcare providers.
This ceremony underscored URS Taytay’s commitment to nurturing compassionate, skilled nurses ready to serve with competence and care beyond boundaries.
